Work out what is causing breakouts using Facial Diagnosis

Your face can provide you with vital clues about what is going on inside your body. Using the facial zones, you can map out the colours and lines, each of which identifies underlying issues which may be contributing to your dark circles, breakouts or red cheeks.

From Greek medicine to Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), facial analysis has been used as an indication of the health of the organs or to provide useful clues as to the systems involved in any health issue. In particular TCM has a detailed map of the face including lines, organ zones and colour indications. The TCM principles of facial anaylysis help to map the colours and lines of the face, indicating the underlying causes.

Skin conditions that affect the face such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne don't usually affect the entire surface of the face. The affected areas are often confined to particular areas or zones so just by looking at your face you can find out more about the underlying cause of any skin condition. This technique can be used to improve skin tone and health in general and is not confined to skin conditions. It can also be used as a tool to assess wellbeing or to improve skin tone in general.

As a guide, go over each zone of the face and look for any changes in colour (from your normal skin tone), deep lines (that aren't part of the normal aging process), congestion (pimples, blackheads, milia, whiteheads) or puffiness. Below is a guide to the key areas of the face and their associated organs. Included are key indications about lines and colours that provide additional information.

Forehead - In descending order down the forehead: Bladder, Large Intestine, Small Intestine. Usually lines across the forehead reflect an imbalance. Breakouts or blackheads in this zone are indicative of digestive imbalance and poor detoxification. Red and dry or flaky skin is an indication of lack of fluids in the digestive tract.

Between the Eyes -This is the liver zone. A red patch between the eyes is a possible indication of poor liver detoxification and even heavy metal toxicity (particularly mercury). Vertical lines in this zone indicate Liver imbalance.

Under the Eyes - The top of the eye and directly below the eyes is the kidney zone. Puffiness and fluid retention in this area is a sign the body is holding on to too much fluid (watery and swollen with a blue tinge) or is mucus congested (fatty and swollen with a yellow tinge). Salt intake should be monitored, as should excessive sugary drinks such as fruit juice and soft drink. To reduce mucus congestion, reduce fat and dairy consumption.Blue circles or white under the eyes indicates tiredness or even exhaustion. A yellow tinge shows the liver and gallbladder are working too hard.

The Nose - The nose tip corresponds to the lungs while the bridge reflects the health of the stomach. Congestion in the form of blackheads usually represents poor stomach digestion and possibly low hydrochloric acid levels.If the nose is red or has broken capillaries, this usually indicates excessive intake of heating liquids including alcohol, coffee and tea.

The Cheeks - This area maps the respiratory and circulatory systems. Pimples or congestion in this area are often the result of a high fat and mucus forming diet (simple sugar, dairy and processed foods).Pale cheeks may be a sign of low iron levels whereas overly flushed cheeks show poor circulation and the consumption of too many hot foods such as alcohol, coffee and spices and poor elimination. A greenish tinge indicates liver congestion.

The Mouth - Generally represents the digestive function. Poor circulation and/or low iron levels are indicated by white or pale lip colour. Dehydration is indicated by dry flaky skin or fine lines and wrinkles.Cracks or sores in the corners of the mouth are signs of low B vitamin or iron levels. Red, hot or bleeding gums are a sign of a hot or over-acidic stomach and so animal fats, simple sugars and heating food & drink needs to be avoided.

The Chin - Corresponds to the kidneys and digestive system. Again, a diet high in processed foods, fats and sugar will cause congestion in this area. It can also indicate unbalanced kidney function, which is usually the result of pushing the body by working too hard, stress or going beyond normal physical endurance.

The Jaw and under the jaw line - Often a hormonal influence, particularly if worsens in accordance with monthly cycles. Cysts rather than pimples may indicate lymphatic toxicity, which may result from medications, environmental toxins or a highly processed and sugar rich diet.

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Your organic skin expert http://vitaleblog.org. As a naturopath Ananda Mahony ND has been involved in the natural skin care industry for many years both developing and sourcing specialist organic and natural products.